Synonyms for problem

Most common

trouble · dilemma · riddle · puzzle · question · case

Synonyms by meaning

Noun

Antonyms

solution, answer, resolution

All antonyms of problem →

Definitions

1. n. 1

   A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.

   She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.

2. n. 2

   A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with. An addiction, other substance use disorder, or comparable psychological challenge.

   I think he has a gambling problem. Lending him money will probably only make it worse.

Related words

Word family

problemette problematic problematical problematize

Phrases

no problem principal-agent problem agency problem art gallery problem diamond problem fairy problem final parsec problem goat grazing problem

Is a kind of

challenge issue obstacle

Forms

Plural

problems → troubles, dilemmas, riddles, puzzles…

Example sentences

• puzzle Let's puzzle over Lewis Carroll's Pillow-Problems!
• dilemma A moral dilemma can test a person’s true character.
• riddle How much we still have to pay for peace is a riddle.
• enigma It's a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
• case What number should I call in case of an emergency?
• question To my surprise, she could not answer the question.

Popularity over time

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

3 letters

job¹, rub¹

4 letters

case¹

5 letters

catch¹

6 letters

puzzle², riddle², enigma³

7 letters

trouble², dilemma³

8 letters

question², hardship²

9 letters

challenge²

12 letters

imperfection⁴

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (puzzle² = 2 syllables).

In other languages

Français

problème

Italiano

problema

Español

problema

Deutsch

Problem

Català

problema